News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: NLF Update Line

Date: December 28, 1999

National League of Families
UPDATE LINE: DECEMBER 23, 1999

Seasons Greetings and thank you for calling the National League of Families Update Line. This message is being recorded on Thursday, December 23rd. The number of Americans still listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War is now 2,031.

Today, the Department of Defense announced that COL Robert Elliot, USAF, is now accounted for. COL Elliot, from MA, was lost during his February 14, 1968, F105D Thunderchief mission over Hanoi. His remains were unilaterally turned over to US Officials by Vietnam in April 1988, along with his military ID card. Subsequent investigations in 1994, 97 and 98 resulted in an excavation during which additional remains and material were recovered.

On December 13th, DOD released the names of 11 Americans previously missing from the Vietnam War, also now accounted for. The US Army personnel named were Staff Sgt. Tim L. Walters, IN, 1st Lt. James R. McQuade, WA, and Spec. 4 James E. Hackett, FL. The eight USAF personnel named are COL George W. Jensen, WA, COL Marshall L. Tapp, CA, COL Lavern G. Reilly, MN, Major George W. Thompson, W.VA, CMSgt. James A. Preston, GA, CMSgt. James E. Williams, MS, CMSgt. William L. Madison, KY, and SMSgt. Kenneth D. McKenney, MA.

Staff Sgt. Walters's remains were recovered in March of 1999 by an US-Lao excavation team. Lost during a March 9, 1969, forward air control mission over Laos, the crash site of his 0-2A aircraft was searched immediately and both crewmembers found dead, but hostile activity prevented recovery of their remains. First Lt. McQuade and Spec. 4 Hackett were attempting to rescue the crew of a downed aircraft when their helicopter exploded in midair on June 11, 1972. Their remains were recovered in 1994 by an US-Vietnamese team. COL Jensen was piloting an AC-47D gunship on an armed reconnaissance mission over Laos. On board the aircraft were Tapp, Reilly, Thompson, Preston, Williams, Madison and McKenney. Several US-Lao investigations were conducted before an excavation in 1997 that brought recovery of remains and crew-related items.

On December 8th, the DOD released the names of 4 Americans now also accounted for. They included Captain Norman E. Eidsmoe, SD, and Lt. Commander Michael E. Dunn, of IL, both US Navy, and Captain David May, MD, and CWO Jon E. Reid, AZ, both US Army.

Capt. Eidsmoe and LtCdr. Dunn had been missing since January 26, 1968, during a night bombing mission over North Vietnam, flying off the USS Ranger. Their remains were jointly recovered in 1997 and '98 by US and Vietnamese specialists. Captain May and CWO Reid were lost on February 20, 1971, when their helicopter was shot down during an emergency resupply mission over Laos. Following several investigations, their remains were jointly recovered in 1998 by US and Lao officials.

The accounting for these Americans brings the number still missing to 2,031. The League appreciates the efforts of the US government and the cooperation of the Lao and Vietnamese governments that made possible the accounting for these US personnel.

In September and October, Vietnam reportedly conducted two unilateral investigations that resulted in 18 reports, described by US officials as "thorough and of great assistance" to the accounting effort. No clarification was given on what this description means.

Vietnam also recently set up a unit of senior investigators, called the Special Research Cell, to conduct research and interviews in support of their own unilateral activities. The League welcomes Vietnam's increased unilateral investigations and formation of this special office, both actions that respond to repeated League requests, most recently during the May 1999 League Delegation.

The League office will reopen on Monday, December 27th. For added information, please contact the League's web site at www.pow-miafamilies.org or call the national office at 202-223-6846 and leave a message, giving your name, address and phone number, and your call will be returned. Current factual data can be requested for duplication. POW/MIA car-window decals are available at a cost of $20 per 100 by sending a check to the League office at 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 919, Washington, DC 20036.